Top pick: #7 (APRIORITY) - Lightly-raced colt has improved a "ton" since moving from California to Florida, changing trainers to Dave Fawkes, and switching to conventional dirt racing. He lost by a head in the $200K Sunshine Millions Sprint at Santa Anita or he would be a perfect 5 for 5 on real dirt. He had triple digit speed figures in his last three starts, an incredible stat for a hore that broke his maiden in Nov. The horse to beat if he brings his form with him.
2nd pick: #1 (Calibrachoa) - Another who's been remarkably improved of late, he's won 5 of his last 6 incliding three in a row since Todd Pletcher claimed him away from Steve Asmussen for $40K last Nov. In that race he won the main-track that this is being contested upon and this strong finisher should get a solid pace to rally into. Obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Laysh Laysh Laysh) - Hard hitter is one of three entered by the barn of Rick Dutrow and they'll all race uncoupled. Much improved of late and he's three for six at this distance. Strong finisher needs to avoid any traffic in this large field to have any shot at the win.
4th pick: #6 (Yawanna Twist) - The second of the Dutrow trio was an impressive winner at this trip in his seasonal bow at Gulfstream on Feb. 5, then finished second to the much improved Inherit the Gold in a two-turn stakes on the inner surface here a month ago.